The man who was chief designer of China's only aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning (CV-16), claims China is now one of the leading surface warship makers in the world.
Equipment and weapons used by surface warships of the People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) have also developed rapidly in recent years to meet China's defense needs, according to Zhu Yingfu, a researcher at the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) 701 Institute, and an academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering. Zhu was also the chief designer of the CNS Liaoning.
Combined, China's capability to build surface warships and provide these warships with advanced weapons and equipment guarantees PLAN can carry out far-sea combat missions, said Zhu.
"China is in a leading position in the world regarding the level and capability of surface vessel development," said Zhu at the first "High-tech Ships and Deep-sea Exploitation Equipment Innovation Forum" held in Shanghai.
Zhu said China has always aimed to become a world leader in surface warship design ideas and concepts. As a result, PLAN warships are becoming heavier, improving the sea keeping required for distant patrols.
The "information perception capability," precision of firepower equipment and stealth technology of PLAN surface warships are notably better, claims Zhu.
In the future, China's new-type warships will overtake surface warships in other navies, alleges Zhu.
Liaoning was the first Admiral Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, and was originally named the Riga. Riga was launched in December 1988 and renamed Varyag in 1990.
Varyag never entered service as the Soviet Union ceased to exist in 1991. Varyag, now a disused hulk, was bought by China in 1998 and towed to Dalian shipyard in China where she was completely rebuilt. Zhu was a part of the team responsible for the rebuilding.
Liaoning can embark 36 aircraft: 24 Shenyang J-15 fighters; 6 Changhe Z-18F anti-submarine warfare helicopters; 4 Changhe Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters and 2 Harbin Z-9C rescue helicopters.